Movie Inspiration: White Christmas

One of my favorite movies to watch during the holidays is Irving Berlin's White Christmas starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen. Not only is the set magnificent, but the cast all have wonderful voices that are matched by the lively dancing scenes throughout the movie. It features many humorous scenes, including one where Bing and Danny dress up and perform the girls' routine to a packed restaurant. It also includes many catchy songs, such as "Gee, I Wish I Was Back In The Army" and the classic "White Christmas." Honestly, I don't think anyone can sing "White Christmas" half as well as Bing Crosby.

Another great aspect of the movie are the beautiful outfits worn by Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen. They look stunning in their numerous costumes that epitomized mid-1950s fashion. It has provided me with some style inspiration, for you really can't beat this classy look. Rosemary and Vera both wore dresses and skirts that emphasized their tiny, feminine waists at the natural waist line. This was done by wearing a sash or having a tailored skirt. Also, they wore many different patterns throughout the movie, that were subtle, but kept the eye interested. In addition to glitzy jewelry, they wore darling shoes that often had thin ankle straps throughout the movie. Try incorporating these fun, body conscious, and sophisticated pieces into your wardrobe!

Movie Inspiration: White Christmas by historyandhighheels 

Alice Olivia burnt orange dress, £148
Floral blouse, $85
Vionnet button skirt, $1,045
Brian Atwood ankle wrap sandals, $583
Ankle wrap flat, $30
Erickson Beamon feather jewelry, £457
Crystal leaf earrings
ASOS metal jewelry, $11

Perfectly Plaid

One of my favorite patterns of the fall and winter seasons is plaid. While plaid may have been reclaimed from the hipsters in recent times, the history of this weave is long and quite interesting.

Tartan is the original name of plaid (as we in the United States know it) and is a mix of multi-colored woven wool patterned into overlapping bands. Its origins lie with the Celtic pagan societies of Central Europe from 400 to 100 BC. Early forms of plaids were used in pre-Roman times, but this fell out of popularity until the mid to late-sixteenth century in Scotland. The patterns of each of these tartans were representative of each area and sometimes of specific clans in this country. These tartans became so iconic of Scottish upper-class society during the Jacobite revolts that in 1746 the English government forbade the wearing of plaid except for Highland regiments of the British Army. (This act was later repealed in 1782.) The popularity of tartans greatly increased throughout the whole British Isles after the royal visit of King George IV to Edinburgh in 1822. Scottish society quickly became fashionable as romanticized stories were published about their culture and tartan cloth soon was incorporated in ladies and men's dresswear.

Today, plaid has found new-found popularity with it's incorporation into fall fashion lines from J.Crew, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters. They have helped to make the mountain man look chic with some modern updates. I like to offset the inherent manliness of a plaid shirt with girlier pieces, such as a tulle skirt, sequined sweater, or statement necklaces. They help to balance out the whole outfit. Also, if you find a plaid shirt that is thin enough, try piling it on with other shirts, cardigans, or sweaters. This will help keep you warm this winter, while making you look super fashion forward! One more tip, try pairing this wonderful print with other prints, such as leopard print or polka dots. Don't let the outfit become overwhelmed, but a little hint of contrast can be super fun!

perfectly plaid by historyandhighheels 

Madewell button down shirt, $70
Jigsaw full circle skirt, £179
TopShop leopard clutch, $50
Kate Spade bib necklace, $295
Kate Spade pearl earrings, $68
H M bow belt, £6.99

Glamourous

Well, as many of you now know, I am a guest writer for a fashion Q&A page in Glamour Magazine's January issue! It seriously was one of the most exciting moments of my life when I found out. I got this opportunity by entering a contest on Polyvore in August. They had questions posted from readers about ideas for what to wear and I answered all of the questions with some outfits. I also wrote answers out to help describe my clothing collages and provide more inspiration. Below is one of my responses for the contest.

After submitting my answers I had almost forgot about the contest. I mean, it seemed so unlikely that anything would come from it! That was until late August when I got an email from a woman with Polyvore advising me of my contest win! I was one of three fashion lovers to be chosen to help write for Glamour's Q&A page. I answered 10 questions, but they chose to go with a question posed by a newly released military woman. The page is in the January issue of Glamour, which is out now!

I was just thrilled that I got this momentous opportunity and I'm really hoping it will help get my foot in the door of the fashion magazine industry! I think it just might be my calling!


Q - What does the perfect fall date outfit consist of? 

A - Date nights are my favorite because they give you the opportunity to really think about your outfit. On a casual date, a leather jacket will keep you warm if the wind becomes cold, but still looking chic. If jeans are your thing, either go with skinny jeans or a casual pair of boyfriend jeans. Both look great and are super flattering. On a fancy fall date, a blazer will also keep you warm but makes the outfit look more put together.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide

2011 Holiday Gift Guide Under $20! by historyandhighheels 

1. Wool Farlisle Mittens by ASOS - $13.64
2. FACE Stockholm Nail Polish from J.Crew - $10
3. Lip Marker in Berry by TopShop - $15
4. Chunky Knit Scarf by H&M - $17.95
5. English Rose Cosmetic Bag by Cath Kidston - $20
6. Rhinestone Panel Necklace by Forever 21 - $14.80
7. Double Finger Bow Ring by ASOS - $13.80
8. Sequin Clutch from Nordstrom - $20
9. Marshmallows for Toasting Lip Shine from Sephora - $10
10. Salt & Magic Shakers from Francesca's - $12
11. Leopard Print Watch Strap by J.Crew - $18.50
12. Satin Bow Belt by H&M - $11
13. Smokey Eyeshadow Quad Set by TopShop - $16
14. Large Fringe Drop Earrings from Target - $9.99
15. Sonia Kashuk Essential Eye Kit from Target - $9.99